The southern provinces of the Kingdom will vibrate from February 20 to March 1 to the rhythm of the 3rd edition of the International Green March Challenge, placed under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, and which will bring together Arab, African, and European teams.

This edition is organized by the Royal Moroccan Cycling Federation (FRMC) in coordination with the Ministries of the Interior, Youth and Sports, and the Sahara Cycling League, and in collaboration with the Agency for the Promotion and Economic and Social Development of the Southern Provinces. More than 120 riders affiliated with various national clubs will participate alongside other Arab, African, and European competitors. "The participants in this sporting event, initiated with the support of the Moroccan National Olympic Committee (CNOM) and included in the calendar of the International Cycling Union (UCI), will have to cover a total of 1,050 km, spread over 8 stages, starting from Tiznit and arriving in Dakhla, passing through Guelmim, Ifni, Assa-Zag, Tan Tan, Smara, Laâyoune, Tarfaya, and Boujdour," underlines a press release from the FRMC. It adds that this edition was initially scheduled from the 9th to the 17th of this month, but it was postponed to allow the FRMC delegation to take part in the work of the congress of the African Cycling Confederation, which will be held in Cairo during the same period, while modifying the route of the stages with the addition of the city of Ifni to the competition programme. Through this competition, the organizers aspire to bring more young people from the Southern provinces to practice this sport which continues to gain popularity, and to make foreign riders discover the beauty and landscapes of the Moroccan Sahara.

The event will also give young riders the opportunity to express their talent on hilly routes and in a splendid climate. The previous edition was marked by a clear domination of Moroccan riders Tarik Chaoufi, Aadel Reda, Haddi Soufiane, Mouhssine Lahssaini, Abdelaati Saadoune, and Mohamed Abelouache on all stages of the competition.